Trade Updates
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CBP Guidance for Applying Section 232 Tariffs on USMCA Vehicles and Light Trucks
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued guidance on Section 232 tariffs, applying a 25% duty on the non-U.S. content of USMCA-qualified passenger vehicles and light trucks. Effective April 3, 2025, importers need Secretary of Commerce approval and must file entry values on two lines under HTSUS codes 9903.94.03 and 9903.94.02. Additional duties like antidumping still apply.
Trump Sends Tariff Warning Letters to 14 Nations, Rates Up to 40%
President Donald Trump sent U.S. tariff letters to 14 countries, warning of tariffs between 25% and 40% unless new trade agreements are reached by August 1, 2025. These tariffs aim to encourage fair trade and protect U.S. businesses. Countries impacted include Laos, Myanmar, Japan, and others. A similar letter imposing a 35% tariff was also sent to Canada. The administration warns tariffs could increase if negotiations fail.
CBSA Expands CARM RPP Contingency Plan to Cover All Goods in Sufferance Warehouses
The CBSA expands CARM RPP Contingency Plan to all goods in sufferance warehouses from July 10 to August 9, 2025, easing import delays during transition.
PGA Filing Exemption Ends for Some De Minimis FDA Products – Effective July 9
Several FDA-regulated products previously exempt from filing under the $800 de minimis threshold must now be reported to the FDA, effective immediately, CBP announced July 9. The change ends long-standing exemptions for items like cosmetics, food, and radiation-emitting devices, requiring full PGA data submission—even under Entry Type 86.
CBSA’s 2025 (July) Trade Verification Priorities
Will the updated July 2025 CBSA Trade Verification Priorities affect your business? What should you do if you've imported targeted goods? Find out the answers to these, and all the details you need to know here.
U.S. Delays Implementation of Higher Reciprocal Tariff Rates to August 1
The U.S. has postponed the effective date of higher reciprocal tariff rates from July 9 to August 1, 2025, citing ongoing discussions with trading partners and new recommendations from senior officials. The delay applies to a wide range of HTSUS provisions but does not affect the separate suspension of 145% tariff rates on China, which remains in place. The move extends the current 10% ad valorem rate and gives trading partners additional time to align with U.S. economic and national security priorities.
U.S. Commerce Announces New Process for Auto Parts Tariff Requests
The U.S. Department of Commerce has introduced a new process that lets U.S. auto parts manufacturers request the inclusion of more imported parts under the 25% Section 232 tariffs. Starting July 1, 2025, requests can be submitted during four designated windows each year. Submissions must include part details, trade data, and national security impact. Valid requests will undergo public comment and review. Approved items will be added to the tariff list, with enforcement by Commerce and Customs authorities.
50% Surtax on Certain Steel Imports into Canada Effective June 27, 2025 (Updated)
Guidance now available - covers tariff-rate quotas, including detailed information on the purpose, coverage, quota volumes, duration, and method of administration. Effective June 27, 2025, the Government of Canada has imposed a 50% surtax on certain steel imports in response to unfair trade practices and global overcapacity. This punitive measure applies to designated steel products originating from specific countries identified as contributing to market distortions. Importers should review affected tariff classifications and prepare for immediate cost implications on impacted shipments.
50% Tariffs on Steel, Aluminum and Derivatives U.S. Imports Effective June 4, 2025 (Reminder)
A reminder that Chapter 73 and 76 can now be broken out. Effective June 4, 2025, the United States will double Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum imports—from 25% to 50%—under a new presidential proclamation. While the U.K. will retain the 25% rate through July 9, the Commerce Secretary may later impose quotas or increase duties if the U.K. fails to meet its commitments under the U.S.-U.K. Economic Prosperity Deal. The updated guidance also introduces content-based duty assessments, new Chapter 99 HTS codes, and a revised stacking order to prioritize Section 232 enforcement over IEEPA tariffs.
U.S. Launches AD/CVD Investigations on Hardwood and Plywood from China, Indonesia, and Vietnam
On June 11, 2025, the U.S. launched antidumping and countervailing duty investigations into hardwood and decorative plywood imports from China, Indonesia, and Vietnam. The cases target most plywood products—excluding structural plywood and furniture—amid claims of unfair pricing and subsidies. With subsidy rates above legal thresholds, duties are likely, and importers should prepare for possible retroactive costs on shipments after June 11.
CBP Guidance on US-UK and Northern Ireland Economic Prosperity Deal
Effective June 30, 2025, the U.S. began implementing tariff changes under the new U.S.-UK Economic Prosperity Deal. Key provisions include a tariff-rate quota on UK-made automobiles, a preferential 10% duty rate for eligible UK auto parts, and duty exemptions for certain civil aircraft products. Importers and brokers should closely follow new HTSUS classifications, entry procedures, and filing instructions outlined in CBP guidance and Quota Bulletin QB 25-508.
Canada’s Export Control List Guide Available and Updated
The May 2025 edition of A Guide to Canada's Export Control List introduces new controls on emerging technologies including quantum computing, advanced semiconductors, and military sub-orbital craft, while removing select items such as certain unmanned submersible vehicles. Exporters in high-tech and defense sectors should review the changes closely. A full list of tracked amendments is available by request from the Export Controls Policy Division.
USDA Finalizes July 15 Enforcement Date for Organic Importer Certification Requirement
Beginning July 15, 2025, all importers of organic products into the U.S.—including those located in Canada—must be certified under USDA organic regulations by a USDA-accredited certifier. Under the USDA’s Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) rule, COR-certified businesses acting as U.S. importers of record will no longer be permitted to rely solely on their Canadian certification. This marks the end of a temporary allowance granted after SOE implementation in March 2024.
CIFER Registration Renewal Window Opens July 1, 2025 for Exporters
Companies exporting food products to China are reminded that the CIFER registration renewal window opens on July 1, 2025. If your facility’s registration expires on January 1, 2026, and falls under categories such as edible oils, plant spices, grain products, or malt, you must submit an Application for Extension in the CIFER system between July 1 and September 30, 2025. Missing this deadline could result in cancellation of your registration and disruption of exports to China.
Webinar: Help Shape the Guide to Reporting to the Federal Plastics Registry
Have Your Say: Federal Plastics Registry – Phase 2. Environment and Climate Change Canada is developing a guidance document to support Phase 2 reporting to the Federal Plastics Registry. A summary of the proposed content is now available for review, and we welcome your feedback by July 24, 2025. To support your review, join one of our upcoming webinars (in English or French) on June 26 or July 10 for an overview and Q&A session. Get the meeting links.
New Steel Derivatives Added to 50% Section 232 Tariffs Effective June 23 (Updated Guidance)
UPDATED CBP GUIDANCE published June 24, 2025 (lists the correct number for pre-existing HTSUS 9903.81.98). Beginning June 23, eight new household appliances and components—including refrigerators, dryers, washers, and food waste disposals—will be subject to the 50% Section 232 steel derivative tariff under Proclamation 10896. BIS confirmed the changes in a final rule amending Annex 1, noting that the tariff will apply based on the value of the steel content in each product. Welded wire racks classified under 9403.99.9020 will also remain subject to aluminum tariffs under Proclamation 10895 for their aluminum content.
CBP Launches New Forced Labor Allegation Portal with Upcoming Webinar Training
On June 20, 2025, CBP launches the Forced Labor Allegation Portal, a new digital platform for submitting and tracking forced labor complaints in the U.S. supply chain. The portal allows for anonymous submissions, document uploads, and real-time updates, streamlining communication with CBP’s Forced Labor Division. Access, training resources, and upcoming webinars are available to help users transition from the former e-Allegations system.
Canada’s New Measures to Defend Steel and Aluminum Industry Against U.S. Tariffs
The Government of Canada announced a robust set of measures to defend the country’s steel and aluminum industries in response to new U.S. tariffs. These include adjusted counter-tariffs, reciprocal procurement rules, import quotas on non-FTA steel, and new origin-based tariff rules. The federal government is also launching industry task forces and continuing financial support for large businesses impacted by trade instability. As negotiations for a new Canada-U.S. economic partnership continue, Ottawa is making it clear: protecting Canadian workers and industrial resilience is non-negotiable.
Tariff Relief Within Seven Days Under U.S.-U.K. Deal Once Federal Notice Published
The U.S. will soon reduce Section 232 tariffs on British-built cars, auto parts, and aerospace products under a new bilateral trade arrangement with the United Kingdom. Once the June 16 executive order is published in the Federal Register, a new 10% total tariff will apply to up to 100,000 British vehicles annually, and qualifying auto parts and civil aircraft components will be exempt from additional duties. These changes are part of the broader U.S.-U.K. Economic Prosperity Deal, aimed at easing trade barriers while supporting supply chain security and national interests.
CBP Guidance for Section 232 Aluminum Import Instructions to Report Unknown for Country of Smelt and Cast
Effective June 28, 2025, CBP will require importers of derivative aluminum subject to Section 232 to report “unknown” for smelt or cast origin when that information is not available. Entries marked “unknown” must declare HTS 9903.85.67 or 9903.85.68 and will incur the 200% tariff rate applied to Russian aluminum. CBP’s updated guidance outlines mandatory reporting codes, ISO requirements, and new ACE system error messages tied to smelt and cast data.
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